[Earbones]

I'm aware that for a few people the prices aren't a factor, as they actually prefer the 400 over the 500 in the first place...
 
But for the folks who believe the 500 to be the superior phone... Do you think it's $300 worth of superior? If yes, why? If not, how much cash over the 400 do you think the 500 is realistically worth? 
 
Show your math, ha ha.

 

[RebelRising]

I don't think the HE-500 is $300 better, but at the same time, it's not overpriced at all. If anything, the HE-400 at $299 is just insanely undervalued (it was already a steal at its previous price point). I ultimately preferred the 500 in the long run for its more balanced signature, but I had a lot of fun with the 400 as well and would have no qualms with owning one again.

 

[headphonatic]

I would get a used 500, some people are selling them for 400+ which IMO is the steal of the year. Considering how some people bought them for 900, and never complained.

 

[cel4145]

What kind of setup do you have to drive the HE series? I haven't heard the HE-500s, but from what I understand about them and my experience with the HE-400s, I definitely would take the HE-400s with a good DAC/headphone amp combo over the HE-500s without one. $300 is a lot of DAC/amp

 

[Earbones]

What kind of setup do you have to drive the HE series? I haven't heard the HE-500s, but from what I understand about them and my experience with the HE-400s, I definitely would take the HE-400s with a good DAC/headphone amp combo over the HE-500s without one. $300 is a lot of DAC/amp

Source is an iPod Touch 5g. I occasionally use an Astell & Kern AK10 as the DAC, but to be honest, the iPod sounds just as good. Power is supplied by a Rotel RA-05 SE integrated amp, so I have enough on tap to drive anything well...

 

[cel4145]

I am sure that Rotel will do just fine

 

[Earbones]

I am sure that Rotel will do just fine

I'm loving it... Picked it up used-like-new for $50 on Craigslist, because two of the speaker outputs don't work. Headphone jack works just fine! 

 
Beyond the iPod, I'm really digging on DSD tracks played via Audirvana on my macbook air... Fed out through the A&K DAC and into the Rotel. Sounds great!

 

[cel4145]

I've only heard Rotel's in stores, but they sure do sound nice. Never could bring myself to spend money on a new one because I think you get the better value of better speakers until you spend A LOT on speakers. But buying one used for $50? That's awesome!!!

 

[headphonatic]

  I'm loving it... Picked it up used-like-new for $50 on Craigslist, because two of the speaker outputs don't work. Headphone jack works just fine! 

 
Beyond the iPod, I'm really digging on DSD tracks played via Audirvana on my macbook air... Fed out through the A&K DAC and into the Rotel. Sounds great!

I'd pick up a pair of HE-500's, the extra wattage will serve well.

 

[HPiper]

I really like vocals, female vocals in particular and the HE500 has an awesome midrange, so for me it wouldn't even be a decision. What would be a decision would be HE500 or HE560? Hmmmmm